Chronicle Editorial

New year, same challenges for Iowa Legislature
     Each New Year brings with it hope, challenges and the unknown. 2016 is no different, and that’s certainly true at the Statehouse in Des Moines.
     Strong rhetoric from Republicans and Democrats has heated up recently in anticipation of this year’s General Assembly. Then again, one could argue it never stopped after 2015’s overtime session. Multiple issues like education funding, water quality and Medicaid management are poised to create fireworks yet again this year. Add shrinking revenue growth and a hurting agriculture sector into the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for one interesting year.
     K-12 education funding could once again prove to be a thorn in the Legislature’s side this year. The issue forced lawmakers to stay in Des Moines an extra month last year, but much of their work was nullified when Gov. Terry Branstad vetoed $55.7 million in one-time funding for Iowa’s schools. That rankled legislators on both sides of the aisle, as it was a key piece to last year’s budget compromise.
     Many of the same hostilities that surfaced following Branstad’s decision could create an even deeper divide at the capitol this year. However, Senate Democrats and House Republicans need to approach the issue with an open mind and bipartisan attitude. Many onlookers felt both sides were over ambitious during 2015’s budget battle, and it’s clear a more soothed tone is needed as the state stares down reduced revenue estimates.
     According to the Iowa Revenue Estimating Conference, the state will collect around $7.04 billion in tax revenue for the current fiscal year. That’s nearly $9 million less than the group’s assessment in October. Estimates peg next year’s growth to be around $21 million less than earlier projections, which will no doubt force lawmakers to budget accordingly as they look ahead. Legislators can avoid certain issues last year by heading into budgeting sessions with realistic goals. You can’t expect K-12 education to get a 5 percent funding hike each year, just as you can’t cut state aid to near impracticable levels. Lawmakers should approach the issue with sensible proposals before digging in their heels for the second-straight session.
     Other ongoing battles over Medicaid reform and statewide water quality could return to the Legislature’s agenda in 2016. While issues with last year’s managed Medicaid legislation might work themselves out in the court system, lawmakers have a chance to address water pollution by approving a proposal that failed to gain momentum in 2015.
     The Legislature previously discussed generating more revenue for statewide conservation projects through the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. Lawmakers suggested raising the state’s 6 percent sales tax by 3/8 of a penny to generate between $120-$180 million for the special account, which was approved by 63 percent of voters in 2010. However, it has never been funded. Properly financing programs like the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund has the potential to create conservation projects that lead to improved water quality. The issue has been a hot topic over the past five years and only promises to continue as water woes continue across the state.
     It will be interesting to see what 2016 has in store for Iowa politics. We already know it will start out with a bang thanks to the presidential caucus, but the General Assembly could provide even more bang for our buck. It appears ongoing political drama will once again spill over into the New Year when the book shuts on 2015.
     For Iowans, some things never change.